Feeding is a special time to bond with your baby as you help them grow strong.
Follow these tips to safely prepare infant formula and bottle-feed your baby.
Do not add water
Must be mixed with an equal amount of water
Must be mixed with water according to label instructions
Buy only the brand, type, and size listed on your WIC Benefits.
SUBSTITUTIONS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
If infant formula is defective, spoiled, or has exceeded its “sell by” or “best if used by” date, an authorized store may provide an exchange for an identical authorized WIC food. Call your local WIC clinic if your baby needs a different formula.
Before mixing any baby formula, check the can for the expiration date. Do not use expired formula.
Read all instructions to mix formula correctly.
Formula may be refrigerated up to:
For more information on safe infant formula preparation, visit:
Your baby is growing fast and has a tiny tummy, so they get hungry a lot.
Feed your baby on demand when they are hungry, not on a schedule. Your baby will show you when they want to eat, are ready for a break, and are full. Watch for a few of the cues listed below to know when your baby is hungry or full. Often, waiting until they cry can make it harder to feed them.
Learn more about your baby’s hunger and fullness cues:
Learn more about other behaviors to expect as they grow:
Learn more with this Infant Feeding Guide:
Feeding time is bonding time. Hold your baby in a semi-upright position, supporting their head, and make eye contact. Talk softly to them.
Keep the bottle at an angle so that the nipple is filled with milk. This helps your baby swallow less air and have less gas.
Don’t force or encourage your baby to finish a bottle. Watch for signs that they are full, like turning away from the bottle, slowing down their sucking, or pushing the bottle away. Let them set the pace.
Your baby may need to burp during the feed or afterward to release swallowed air. Gently pat or rub their back.
Never Prop a Bottle:
Do not leave your baby alone with a propped-up bottle. This is a choking hazard and can also lead to ear infections and overfeeding.
Never Prop a Bottle:
Do not leave your baby alone with a propped-up bottle. This is a choking hazard and can also lead to ear infections and overfeeding.
Many infants spit up a little after feedings or while burping. This is normal because their digestive tract is still developing. As long as your baby is growing, gaining weight, and doesn’t seem uncomfortable, there is usually no need to worry about spitting up.
What should I expect when I change my baby’s formula?
Sometimes, you may need to change your infant to a new formula.
It’s really important to talk to your baby’s doctor before you change their formula. The doctor can help figure out why your baby is having problems and tell you the best new formula to use.
When changing formulas, it’s normal for your baby to experience a little fussiness or spitting up. Your baby may have some minor, temporary symptoms such as:
Most babies can change to a new formula without any problems.
Follow the transition schedule below to help gradually switch your baby to a new formula. The transition can be made over 4 days with less than a can of formula.
Talk to a WIC Nutritionist if you have concerns about switching your baby’s formula.
Formula Transition Schedule
Prepare the old and new formulas separately, according to each formula’s label, then mix the two formulas together in a single bottle. Only mix two formulas together after you have first made them separately.
| heading | Preparing a 4 oz Bottle | Preparing a 6 oz Bottle | Preparing a 8 oz Bottle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0 |
 Use:
4 oz old brand of formula
|
 Use:
6 oz old brand of formula
|
 Use:
8 oz old brand of formula
|
| Day 1 |
 Mix:
3 oz old brand of formula
1 oz new brand of formula
|
 Mix:
4 oz old brand of formula
2 oz new brand of formula
|
 Mix:
6 oz old brand of formula
2 oz new brand of formula
|
| Day 2 |
 Mix:
2 oz old brand of formula
2 oz new brand of formula
|
 Mix:
3 oz old brand of formula
3 oz new brand of formula
|
 Mix:
4 oz old brand of formula
4 oz new brand of formula
|
| Day 3 |
 Mix:
1 oz old brand of formula
3 oz new brand of formula
|
 Mix:
2 oz old brand of formula
4 oz new brand of formula
|
 Mix:
2 oz old brand of formula
6 oz new brand of formula
|
| Day 4 |
 Use:
4 oz new brand of formula
(Transition is completed)
|
 Use:
6 oz new brand of formula
(Transition is completed)
|
 Use:
8 oz new brand of formula
(Transition is completed)
|
Be patient and give your baby time to adjust. It can take about one to two weeks for their tummy to get used to the new formula.
Your baby may burp or spit up a little while changing to the new formula.
Every formula tastes different; if your infant tried the new formula and did not like it, try changing the formula more slowly.
Your baby’s poop may look or smell different when changing formulas; this is normal.
Carefully read and follow the mixing instructions on the formula label.
Use a safe water source to mix your infant formula.
Never prop up the bottle to feed baby or add cereal to the bottle (this can cause choking or overeating.)
Never use homemade infant formula. It lacks the correct balance of vitamins and nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive. An incorrect balance can lead to serious health problems like seizures or brain swelling, and can even be fatal.
Most babies will accept a gradual change to a new formula. If your baby turns their head away or refuses the bottle of new formula, it may be a sign they are still adjusting to the flavor.
If you notice any of the signs below, stop offering the new formula and contact your healthcare provider right away.
X Diarrhea (runny or watery poop)
X Bloody or slimy poop
X Vomiting
X Crying while pulling legs up, like they have a tummy ache
X Trouble gaining weight
If you have any questions or your baby is having problems with a new formula, contact your local WIC office or your healthcare provider for guidance.
Adapted from:
United States Food & Drug Administration. Tips for preparing imported infant formula. Accessed February 20, 2025.
https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/handling-infant-formula-safely-what-you-need-know
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Side-Lying Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cross-Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Clutch or “Football” Hold
This hold is useful when:
Cradle Hold
This hold is useful when:
Laid-Back Hold
This hold is useful when:
